Biotin, also known as Vitamin H, is a vitamin that aids in the healthy growth of hair, skin, and nails. It treats inflammation, improves cholesterol levels, and helps regulate blood pressure and blood sugar. Scientists say most people get enough biotin in their regular diets to experience the benefits it has to offer, but many people have begun turning to biotin supplements. These supplements may improve the keratin structure of your skin and nails, but what about hair growth?
Some studies and research have shown biotin to improve hair growth and regrowth as well. If your hair is thinning or falling out, improving your biotin intake could facilitate your body’s natural hair growth.
In 2015, a three-month study was conducted on women who were suffering from thinning hair and shedding. One group was given a supplement containing biotin, and the other group was given a placebo. At the end of the three-month period, the women who had been taking the supplement saw significant results of hair regrowth and less shedding compared to the women who were given the placebo.
Researchers agree that the best way to see the results that biotin can provide is to stay consistent in either incorporating it into your diet or supplementing. The easiest and most cost-effective way to consume biotin is through your diet. Some foods that provide a rich supply of biotin include:
- Egg yolks
- Almonds
- Walnuts
- Peanuts
- Legumes
- Bananas
- Whole grains
If you don’t have access to these foods or have strict dietary restrictions, supplementation may be a solution to improving biotin intake. Biotin deficiencies tend to be pretty rare since B vitamins are readily available in many foods. However, if you think that a biotin supplement may be good for you, consult with a doctor first to make sure you are not ingesting too much.
Side Effects
One dermatologist, Dr. Wilma Bergfeld, said biotin is very helpful for people struggling with hair disorders and hair loss. Bergfeld said biotin can keep the hair follicle healthy, which in turn will help prevent hair loss, or alopecia, in both men and women.
But, some people who take biotin supplements experience negative side effects. The research into biotin is still growing, but scientists have found that some patients experience cramping, nausea, and diarrhea after incorporating biotin into their routines. If you would rather get biotin from foods than a pill, researchers have identified egg yolks, bananas, cauliflower, mushrooms, nuts, and whole grains as great sources of the vitamin.
What the Research Says
Though the research into biotin’s benefits is still growing and opinions about its efficacy are changing, most doctors agree that biotin supplements are most useful if you are already experiencing hair loss. This could mean that you are experiencing a biotin deficiency, which is rare but does happen, according to Healthline. Adding biotin to your diet could reverse scaly rashes and alopecia in men and women. One study also found that participants who took a marine protein supplement containing biotin saw improved hair growth and hair strength after 90 days.
The Hairline Ink Solution
If your hair starts falling out, it’s natural to scramble and try to research all of the steps you can take to keep the hair that you have. Improving your diet is always a good idea to improve the function of your body and mind. Hair loss can have numerous causes, however, and while biotin may be a solution for some people, it may not curb hair loss for all people. Our revolutionary scalp micropigmentation process helps both men and women with a number of concerns, including male pattern baldness, alopecia, and women’s hair loss. We can also cover up unsightly scars on your scalp or add density to a thinning hairline. We offer Scalp Micropigmentation in over 50 US cities. Call or text us today at 833-HAIR-INK (833-424-7465) to schedule an appointment, learn about our pricing, or get a free quote!
